Thread: Workshop Space

Nicolar

I cannot offer any helpful advice, I'm afraid (other than moving to Perth!). But your predicament reminded me of a recent experience (mid-December last year). I was visiting family in Rose Bay, staying at a hotel in Double Bay. I searched in several newsagents for woodworking magazines - none to be found. One newsagent laughed when I enquired - "a workshop would be worth about $500 000", he said. Obviously there was no demand for woodworking magazines in the Eastern Suburbs.

I left wondering what people do for workshop space. Move our West?

Regards from Perth

Derek

I can't offer much in the way of helpful advice either I'm afraid

I like on the Central Coast because I can easily afford a nice place with plenty of space, a yard & a garden - in a nice, friendly, safe area. I'm not much interested in nightlife & the other benefits of city living, so this area suits me. I work on the North Shore of Sydney because the money is there. The commuting sucks, but life isn't perfect

You might find the only space you could rent would be commerical - small factory bay in an industrial area etc. Unfortunately I think you'd be lucky to find it at a reasonable price.

Depending on why you live in the Eastern Suburbs, whether you rent or own, and where you both work, you might want to think about moving North, West or South. Hornsby area for instance you might find the right kind of house at the right price without excessive travel.

Why don't you consider using someone like Hendermans, where you can rent the space you need, as well as tools.

Thanks for the suggestions. We rent in the Eastern Suburbs and we are locked into the contract until november! (boo!)

I knew about Hendermans - thanks - but their opening hours are slightly restrictive and it can work out quite expensive. However, it has got me thinking that he could do the noisy, mesy work there and do the finishing off at hom.

Thanks everyone!

Nicolar,
I suggest you put an add in the Southern Courrier, I am pretty sure you can find something near Botany or Matraville.

Good luck

Jack

I gotta agree with Daryl, I too live on the central coast and drive to Sydneys north shore area.

Are you renting a house or unit? Im currently renting a house where I am and have a 3m x 3m shed out the back where I do my work. Something bigger would be nice, but that wont happen until I own my own house .. if that ever happens.

Brett

Thanks guys.

We rent at the moment and are locked in until November. We were looking to buy up round Central Coast/ Hawkesbury but may well rent for a year from November and see how it goes. That way we can get a shed as well like you suggested.

In the meantime, I'll do as Jack suggested and put an ad in the Southern Courier.

thanks

This topic has been covered somewhat on the FWW forums.

In Sydney, Hendermans at Rozelle http://www.hendermans.com.au/ is worth considering, especially for when you need to machine something. There may be others I don't know about. Also find out which of your local state high schools has a wood working teacher, then see if you can get machine time in return for assisting them.

Working within a unit with hand tools should be relatively clean and if you need to use a power tool ask yourself is it more or less noisy than a blender or Kenwood Chef mixer. These are my two measures of what is borderline too noisy for the neighbours. However, if you stay with the hand tools, working within your unit should be OK.